Closing a UAE company requires following the correct dissolution and deregistration process for each emirate and entity type. Here is the complete 2025 guide.
UAE Free Zone Company Dissolution
Each UAE free zone has its own dissolution process. General steps for most UAE free zones: Step 1 — submit a dissolution application to the free zone authority. Step 2 — settle all outstanding fee balances (licence fees, office rent, any loans to the free zone). Step 3 — cancel all UAE residence visas tied to the company (shareholders, employees, dependents). Step 4 — close all UAE bank accounts and obtain closure letters. Step 5 — provide proof of no outstanding bank loans (bank clearance letter). Step 6 — cancel any registered domain names, trademarks, or IP registered under the company. Step 7 — obtain the cancellation certificate from the free zone. Timeline: 30-90 days depending on the free zone and complexity. Cost: AED 1,000-5,000 in government cancellation fees (varies by free zone).
UAE Mainland Company Dissolution
UAE mainland LLC dissolution requires DED (Department of Economic Development) approval: Step 1 — convene a shareholders meeting and pass a resolution to dissolve. Step 2 — appoint a liquidator (required by law). Step 3 — publish dissolution notice in two UAE newspapers (official legal requirement). Step 4 — conduct 45-day creditor notification period. Step 5 — settle all outstanding liabilities. Step 6 — tax and government clearance (FTA VAT clearance, MOHRE clearance). Step 7 — submit final liquidation report to DED. Step 8 — DED issues certificate of dissolution. Timeline: 3-6 months minimum (often 12 months for companies with creditors).
After UAE Company Dissolution
After dissolution is complete: the company no longer legally exists, all UAE visas tied to the company are cancelled, outstanding FTA registrations (VAT, CT) must also be deregistered, and any trademarks or IP in the company name must be transferred or cancelled. If you plan to re-register a similar company later: there is no cooling-off period, but a new company cannot use the same trade name that was previously registered (unless the name has been officially deregistered and released).